Poker News

Celebs team up for Darfur poker event

2007-05-18 17:06:57

The 2007 World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournament will feature an event aimed at raising awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, it has been revealed.

Players who have announced their intentions to play in the Ante Up For Africa event, which will take place on July 5th, include Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Matt Damon, James Woods and Ben Affleck.

Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese citizens have died in the conflict thus far, according to estimates by humanitarian organisations, with poker players such as Howard Lederer, Barry Greenstein and Andy Block among those aiming to play in the event.

"We're honored to host this event and hope that entrants &ndash particularly those fortunate enough to win money &ndash will make donations to help ease the human suffering that defines the crisis in Darfur," said WSOP commissioner Jeffrey Pollack.

"While a donation is not required to enter, we are respectfully asking players who win prize money to donate half of their winnings to the Enough Project and the International Rescue Committee &ndash organizations whose goals include raising public awareness and providing aid to the survivors of Darfur,” added poker pro Duke.

The Main Event at this year's WSOP will commence a day later on July 6th.


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